JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026: Total Marks, Total Questions & Paper-Wise Structure

The JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 will follow the latest format prescribed by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Understanding the exam pattern is essential for aspirants to know the jee mains total marks, total questions in JEE Mains, and the paper-wise structure before starting preparation. JEE Main 2026 will be conducted for three papers - Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), Paper 2A (B.Arch), and Paper 2B (B.Plan).

For Paper 1, the exam will have 75 questions for a total of 300 marks, while Paper 2A and Paper 2B will carry 400 marks each. The paper includes Section A (MCQs) and Section B (Numerical Value Questions), with all Section B questions being compulsory. The exam is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, except for the Drawing Test in B.Arch, and includes negative marking for incorrect answers. Detailed paper-wise marks, question distribution, and the JEE Main exam pattern are explained here.

JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 Overview

The JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026 features three papers - Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), Paper 2A (B.Arch), and Paper 2B (B.Plan), with a clear paper-wise structure of total marks and total questions. The exam is conducted mainly in CBT mode with MCQs, compulsory numerical questions, and negative marking.

How Many Questions Are There in JEE Mains? (Paper-Wise)

The total questions in JEE Mains vary for each paper. Paper 1 consists of 75 questions, Paper 2A includes 77 questions, and Paper 2B has 100 questions. This paper-wise structure clearly answers common queries like how many questions are there in JEE Mains and jee mains total questions.

• Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech): 75 questions

• Paper 2A (B.Arch): 77 questions

• Paper 2B (B.Plan): 100 questions

JEE Main Exam Pattern for Paper 1 (B.Tech/B.E.)

Paper 1 is conducted for admission to B.E./B.Tech programmes. It includes Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, with equal weightage. The exam consists of 75 questions carrying a total of 300 marks.

JEE Main Exam Pattern for Paper 2 (B.Arch & B.Plan)

Paper 2 is divided into Paper 2A (B.Arch) and Paper 2B (B.Plan). Both papers follow a CBT format, except the Drawing Test in B.Arch, which is conducted offline.

Paper 2A - B.Arch

• Total Questions: 77

• Total Marks: 400

• Sections: Mathematics, Aptitude Test, Drawing Test

Paper 2B - B.Plan

• Total Questions: 100

• Total Marks: 400

• Sections: Mathematics, Aptitude Test, Planning

Subject-Wise Question Distribution in JEE Main 2026

This section answers subject-wise marks and total number of questions in JEE Mains for each paper.

Total Questions in JEE Mains Paper-1 (B.Tech)

NTA is conducting Paper 1 of JEE Main for B.Tech admissions. It contains a total of 90 questions. You can refer to the table below for an overview of the expected number of questions in JEE Main 2026 Paper 1 (B.Tech). 

Total Questions in JEE Mains Paper-2A (B.Arch)

JEE Main Paper-2A is to be carried out by the NTA for admissions to B.Arch, will consist of approximately 90 questions in total. The paper would examine the candidates on Mathematics, Aptitude, and Drawing in general. If you wish, you can go through the provided table for a better sectional question breakup of what is expected in it. 

Total Questions in JEE Mains Paper-2B (B.Plan)

NTA has announced that JEE Main Paper 2B, conducted for admission to the B.Planning course, will consist of approximately 90 questions. These questions are expected to be divided among three sections: Mathematics, Aptitude, and Planning. The table below provides an estimated subject-wise distribution of questions.

Marking Scheme in JEE Main Exam Pattern 2026

The JEE marking scheme is uniform across papers, except for the Drawing Test. Understanding the marking scheme of JEE Mains helps candidates avoid unnecessary negative marking.

• Correct Answer: +4 marks

• Incorrect Answer: -1 mark

• Unattempted Question: 0 marks

• Negative marking applies to MCQs and Numerical Value Questions

• The Drawing Test is evaluated separately out of 100 marks

JEE Main Exam Mode and Language Options

• Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)

• Drawing Test (B.Arch): Pen & Paper mode

Available Languages: English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu

Changes in JEE Main Exam Pattern from the Previous Year

NTA introduced key changes in Section B starting from 2025, which continue for JEE Main 2026:

• Only 5 numerical value questions per subject
• All questions are compulsory
• No internal choice

This change applies to Paper 1, Paper 2A, and Paper 2B.